PM approves Rs23bn aid package for AJK; protest leaders cautious

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting to discuss the volatile situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir over the past few days. 

Islamabad: PM approves Rs23bn aid package for AJK; protest leaders cautious. The meeting was attended by the top political leadership, including the prime minister of Azad Kashmir and federal ministers. It was also attended by the leaders of coalition parties.

The aid package, announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, encompasses various measures aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by the people of Azad Kashmir, including significant reductions in the prices of government-provided flour and electricity. The PM ordered immediate provision of the aid package.

Following the announcement, the price of government flour has seen a notable decrease, dropping by Rs1,100 per maund. Consequently, consumers will now be able to purchase flour at Rs2,000 per maund instead of the previous Rs3,100, a move expected to provide much-needed relief to the populace.

Additionally, adjustments in electricity prices have also been made, with rates set at Rs3 per unit for domestic consumers up to 100 units, Rs5 per unit for consumption between 100 and 300 units, and Rs6 per unit for usage exceeding 300 units.

Commercial customers will also benefit from revised pricing, with charges set at Rs10 for consumption up to 300 units and Rs15 for usage beyond this threshold.

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After the announcement, the Kashmiri leadership and other participants thanked Prime Minister Sharif, according to a statement issued later. During the meeting, Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq briefed the participants about the situation in AJK and the demands of the Awami Joint Action Committee.

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized on adopting a peaceful method to resolve the demands, while also warned that taking the law into one’s hands and loss of government property will not be tolerated.

Awami Joint Action Committee responds

However, despite the government’s efforts to address the grievances of the people of Kashmir, the Awami Joint Action Committee remains cautious.

Representatives of the committee emphasized the need for written assurances, expressing skepticism about verbal commitments. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a leader of the committee, also highlighted past unfulfilled promises.

“After the prime minister’s meeting, representatives of the Azad Kashmir government contacted us. We have told them that we want a written document and not a verbal announcement,” Mir stated.

He further said that the future course of action would be decided only upon receipt of a formal government notification.

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Earlier in the day, the shutter down and wheel-jam strike in Azad Jammu and Kashmir persisted for the fourth consecutive day, paralysing daily life in the region. Markets remained closed, public transport was suspended, and government offices as well as educational institutions remained shut.

Compounding the situation, internet services were also suspended, but later unblocked. March participants from different areas had started gathering at Dhirkot, from where they were supposed to proceed towards Muzaffarabad.

Rangers deployed

A contingent of Rangers also entered the precincts of the capital, Muzaffarabad, to control any emergency situation. The Rangers convoy entered Muzaffarabad via Garhi Habibullah, however the protesters pelted them with stones at Shoran. In response, the police started shelling to disperse them.